15 May, 2008

The North End has some wonderful deals, you just have to know the right people. So, I'm rather lucky to be able to share these with you.

Shelton told me that this was the beginning of a rather huge development at 5629 Five Mile Drive in the North End. The foot print looks to be a relatively spacious home for a Gnome such as myself. And, if I wanted, I could take the time to buy the lot next door and make a burrow like at home in Norway.

I liked the location, but hardly have the time to wait for the construction to be completed, plus I know I would be a bother to the workers with last second changes and the like.

This charming home looked wonderful from a distance. The design is such that it reminds me of tasty sweet treats.

Shelton said it is listed at about 100 kr. With the Norwegian Krone's high exchange rate right now (it's about 5 US dollars to 1 kr right now), this might be a great investment.

The owner was home, and we asked to look around.

I'm normally pretty optimistic and really look for the good in people. But this woman was quite the witch. She mentioned something about wanting to fatten me up, and that it was unusual for children of my stature to have facial hair.

Oh well, we decided it would be best to just walk around the yard.

And, of course, there, in the back, we saw an amazing feature! Both an indoor and outdoor fireplace.

I had not thought of how practical it would be to cook outside in the summer months, but it certainly makes sense now.

Plus, there is the option of natural lighting from the roof. I needed to only remove the boards.

I also appreciated the green roof. It is more environmentally friendly than I expected it to be.

Then there was this beauty, just down the street.

It is open and airy, and has a certain at-home, but away from home feel about it.

Much like a bungalow style home, there are some amazing built-ins, and it has especially easy access to the ground below its foundation.

Quite a great feature for future expansions into the earth.

I have to thank Mr. Shelton Flitwick for helping me explore some home options. I hope to return and see if one of these are available for purchase in the near future.

14 May, 2008

The weather the past few days has been nothing short of mild, and that is quite exciting.

The rain has beaten down some of the dust and allergens in our skies, and I was excited to take a venture into Point Defiance Park.

What an urban jewel!

This 702 acre park is perhaps one of the best pieces of legislation signed by your President Grover Cleveland in 1888. With his simple signature, the land owned by the federal government was turned over to the city of Tacoma for use as a public park.

I have to admit, I did get a bit home sick exploring the woods. At one point, I startled one of the deer. At home, I am accustomed to hearing from them what is going on in the woods. But this North American deer was not concerned with anything. By her startled look, I can only assume she is unaccustomed with my species.

I found this nice rock wall to climb. It had well placed foot holds for my stature. I conquered it quickly, and was able to survey the land, and I felt like I had been here before.

Wanting to act on this feeling, I strode down a few of the trails and came upon a small wishing well.

I was able to get on the edge and balance myself nicely. I walked around the well a few times, with no problem. Soon, though, I became too confident, and my foot slipped on a tiny patch of moss.

I was trapped for fifteen, maybe thirty, of your minutes until morning jogger heard my cries for help.

He dusted me off, and helped me regain my balance.

After all was clear, he said, "Hey, aren't you that gnome from TV?"

I had to explain that that gnome is an actor, hence why he is on the television. I am an explore and observer who happens to like Tacoma. In fact, I said that I was thinking about settling down in Tacoma soon, and Point Defiance's woods lead me to believe that there are good urban forests in which Gnomes could reside.

"Well, you're in luck!" He said with a twinkle. And as quick as a Frost Giant being angered at the mention of Odin's name, he pulled a business card out ... "I'm Shelton, Shelton Flitwick, and I help people realize their financial goals through real estate. If you're moving here, or considering settling down, I can help you understand the market and the homes available."

I could not find any reason to turn down his offer to help me once more.

"Sure," I said.

Mr. Flitwick asked me some questions about location, number of rooms, location, number of bathrooms, and also location.

02 May, 2008

I had the joy of being at Frost Park in Tacoma today around the noon hour. Apparently a large group of people who like Tacoma show up each week ... rain, snow or sunshine, to appreciate and use the park.

Named for Larry Frost, a Tacoma police officer who was killed in the line of duty, this park is a wonderful respite from the busy streets of downtown. Mr. RR Anderson (whom I admire from my visit with him a couple of months ago) posted this helpful link to the city of Tacoma site to learn more about Mr. Frost.

So I stood, waiting, as Gnomes are prone to do, for the festivities to begin.

As the contest got started, I worked my way over to the contest site, and was immediately in the camera spotlight. On my right, Adamthealien. Back and to my left, Mr. Chris Tumbusch.

I chose to do what I do best ... guard non-moving objects. So, I took a position behind the chalk, to see that all artists had a fair shake at getting something on the sidewalk. Of course, it couldn't last long.

This young lass was picking up random bloggers off the street and running off with them. I hope that she doesn't catch up with Bobble Tiki, or at least Bobble keeps a keen eye out for her. Before you know it, you're half way down the street, near a corner, or just about ready to be put into her vehicle.

Aside from a near gnome-gnapping, this was an excellent event, and I encourage anyone who would like to vote on their favorite to go and post a comment here.

It is a wonderful community building event ... I look forward to more in the very near future.

01 May, 2008

Being an ecologically-friendly store, there were many things to stop and examine in my now quest for the watcher.

First, I found this great rain collection device. It would certainly come in handy to limit the use of drinking water for watering plants. The neat thing about this barrel, is that it has a screen on top, and the brass hookups for water hoses already attached and good to go! You need to only find a downspout to put it near.

I then found some gnome-sized rakes and tools. These would probably work well for your children to help you out in the garden. There are even child, err, gnome-sized knee pads available!

Then, around the corner from the rack, I saw him. He is a bit younger than myself, but a gnome nonetheless.

We discussed the old country, and then, strangely, he asked me about snowboarding. I have to admit that I thought my little trek to the St. Helens mountain this past week was to go unnoticed, but I guess my travel companion went back up there a few days ago, and has been communicating via signs for the past few days.

The watcher went to to say that it is becoming a good time for gnomes across the city, and lovers of gnomes to be ready to explore outside of their homes and gardens and to enjoy the city of Tacoma.

I thought it was a nice sentiment.

Watcher then went back to watching the garden store.

But he's waiting for someone to come and give him a garden to look over.

I'll even come visit once he as found a home.

Until Next Time,TacomaGnome

PS Thank you to Travis and Gabe for the opportunity to check out GardenSphere.